St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-10-01
Copyrighted. lSS7.l

Jerusalem is one of the most interesting
studies in history. Instituted SUI years
400 it's record for valor and benevolence
is without parallel, particularly during
that period when in the height of its
mower the grand masters of the order
ruled over the destinies of Malta.
Originally organized for the purpose of
establishing a hospital in the Holy City
for such of the pilgrims as visited ',eru-
salem to worship at the Holy Sepulchre,
it gradually became powerful military
organization, having in its ranks some Of
the bravest warriors known in history.
About ten years after the establishment
of the order active preparations were
made for the first crusade from Europe.
The Crusaders, including the barons and
Peter the Hermit, when their arrange
ments were completed, numbered 100000
one-sixth of whom were knights OF high
renown. Following their capture Of
Nice and Antioch, came their entry into
the Holy City, but only after a sacrifice
which left them but 10000 warriors.
During the six-weeks siege preceding
their triumphal entry the Caliph kept
Gerard, president of the Knights Hos
pital, heavily ironed. The entry of the
Crusaders was followed by the slaughter
of at least 10000 Mohammedans and a
much larger number of Jews. Gerard
was released from his captivity and the
banner of the cross was placed where
that of the crescent had so recently
waved in defiance and contempt.
Godfrey de Bouillon, commander of
the first division Of the Crusaders, and
others holding equally responsible posi-
tions, made large grants of land for the
benefit of the hospital. Then followed
the establishment of an order having for
its purpose attendance on the wants of
the sick. Many who had accompanied
the Crusaders and fought their way to
Mount Calvary joined the ranks of the
order and became monks, taking the
usual vows.
After the death of Gerard his sue
cessor, Raymond de Pay, a Frenchman,
considering the continued persecution
of Christians in Palestine by the Moham
medans matter calling for vigorous
and decisive action, reorganiZed the
order in such a way as to make 1t a
military power. All its members were
made knights, receiving the Pope's
blessing and the badge of the White
Cross. This was about thrty-tive or
forty wears after the order was first in
stituted. A period of sixtyseven years
elapsed before their valor was thoroughly
put to the test Then it was that
Saladin, in 1887, with host of trained
troops, entered Palestine.
Side by side with the Templars, in re-
sisting the army of the great invader,
fought the Knights of St. John. This
noble band was at last overpowered by
numbers and compelled to yield to a
furious and merciless enemy. Once more
the Holy City came into possession of the
Sultan and his Moslem hordes.
The siege of st. Jean d'Acre was
shortly after this undertaken by the
knights At the end of a three-years'
seige that city was occupied by them.
But they were not fated to rest in peace
for any length of time The troops of
the Sultan of Egypt drove them from
their position after terrific struggle in
A. d. 1891
From Acre they went to Cyprus, where
they were we'll treated; and On that island
they remained for more than century.
From Cyprus they transferred themselves
to Rhodes, where they lived unmolested
for over 200 years. During the period
of their ghthood-400 years-they
had, so far, maintained a reputation for
benevolence and exceeding bravery. The
successive masters and chief officers of
the order had become known through
out the world for excellent administra-
tive capacity and superior diplomatic
skill.
Solyman the Magnificent laid siege to
Rhodes in 1929, and only after six
months persistent defiance of the be-
siegers immense army did the knights
lind it absolutely necessary to negotiate
for surrender.
From Rhodes these courageous adven-
turers went to Italy under the command
of the famous Villiers de TIsle Adam
This great leader endeavored to bring
about an understanding with Pope Glenn
emit VII, looking to the removal and ult-
mate settlement of his charge in some
spot where they might obtain certain
amount of independence. The pontiff
favored the views of the grand master,
and tried to induce Charles V of Spain
to let the knights occupy Malta and Coco,
two islands in the Mediterranean. The
idea was not at first entertained with
great favor, but at last the diplomacy and
tact of r1sle Adam gained for their use
and occupation, not only the islands asked
for, but the city of Tripoli Over these
places they were permitted to have en-
tire jurisdiction, civil as well as military.
This grant was subject to no other con-
dition than that the knights should pre-
sent falcon to the Viceroy of Sicily on
All Saints Day of every year.
In October, 1880, they took possession,
and from that time until their capitula-
ton, 1863 years after, their rule of the
Maltese was, on the whole, beneficial.
At the time they landed Malta was moth
ing but huge block of unsheltered, bar
rem, soft sandstone, partially covered
with earth of such poverty that even
grass would not grow in many places.
The island, which is about seventeen
.I0r L.